Do you know when to call 911? 911 should only be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department or emergency medical services. If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency, you should call 911.
Do you have your address posted in front of your residence or business? A correct address posted where it can be clearly seen from the road will expedite emergency response time. If you live in Jackson or Madison County and you do not know your correct address, please call our office at (731) 423-3911 and we will be glad to assist you. The seconds saved by displaying a correct address could save your life.
If you have a landline phone in your home and you dial 911, your address will display on the screen and on the map in front of the dispatcher. The dispatcher will always verify the address on the screen to be certain the address information is accurate. Sometimes people call from one location to report an emergency at a different location, so address information is always verified. Many people have disconnected their traditional landline phones in their homes and opted to maintain only a wireless device. Please remember when you dial 911 from a wireless device you must give the dispatcher your exact location.
Did you know a wireless phone which has been disconnected and no longer has service still has the capability to dial 911? These phones are considered non-initialized phones. We receive several 911 calls from non-initialized phones from children using these phones as toys. Please remember to remove the battery from these phones before allowing them to be used as toys so we can keep the 911 lines open for true emergencies.
Did you know that some wireless phones can still dial 911 even when they are locked? We receive several 911 calls from people who have placed their wireless phone in their pocket or purse. We ask that you holster your phones instead of placing them in your pocket or purse so that the 911 lines are available for true emergencies.
If you dial 911 from a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone, please remember to keep your information updated when you relocate your phone to another location. If you do NOT keep your information updated, your 911 call could be directed to the wrong 911 center causing a delay of emergency services until it can be transferred to the correct location for you.
For more information, please contact the Madison County Emergency Communications District at (731) 423-3911.